Marie-Léonie Paradis’s legacy of service and sainthood
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In a landmark event for both Sherbrooke and the Catholic Church, Marie-Léonie Paradis, a devoted nun from Quebec, has been canonized, elevating her to sainthood. Known for her life of service and dedication to aiding the clergy, Paradis founded the order of Les Petites Soeurs de la Sainte-Famille in Sherbrooke. Her followers later established the Centre Marie-Léonie Paradis. This local legacy has gained global recognition, drawing people from all over North America to honour a woman who exemplified humility, kindness, and a deep sense of community.
The life of Marie-Léonie Paradis
Marie-Léonie Paradis, originally born Alodie Virginie Paradis in 1840 in L’Acadie, Quebec, began her journey of faith at an early age. Her commitment to the Church led her from Montreal to New York and eventually to Sherbrooke, where she found her true calling. Through her work, she became known as “Mother” to those she served, embodying compassion and devotion. Her vision to support priests so they could focus solely on their religious responsibilities formed the basis of her work and the founding mission of her order, Les Petites Soeurs de la Sainte-Famille, or the Little Sisters of the Holy Family.
Anita Verrier, a member of Les Petites Soeurs and a representative at the Centre Marie-Léonie Paradis in Sherbrooke, described her as a humble figure who always put others before herself. “People sometimes emphasize the miracles, but it’s not just about that,” Verrier explained in a recent interview. “She was a saint to us because of who she was and how she lived her life.” The centre, which continues her legacy in Sherbrooke, is a sacred place for many who wish to connect with Paradis’ life and values.
Family connections and community ties
Lise-Anne Paradis, a descendant of Marie-Léonie, shared her insights Oct. 24 into the familial and historical background that connects their family to Sherbrooke. “She’s my grandfather’s aunt,” Lise-Anne clarified, noting that the family’s roots extend back through several generations in Quebec. Her great-grandfather, Émilien-Zéphirin Paradis, who served as mayor of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, was Marie-Léonie’s brother. Lise-Anne spoke warmly of the family’s pride in their connection to a woman now regarded as a saint. “It’s like the Nobel Prize for us,” she remarked, adding that even though she no longer practices Catholicism, she recognizes the honour and significance of this canonization.
Marie-Léonie’s journey to sainthood has been watched closely by her relatives, who have preserved their family history meticulously. Lise-Anne recounted how her ex-husband, a medieval scholar, created a detailed genealogical tree documenting the Paradis family’s lineage, tracing it back to the early settlers of L’Acadie, now a suburb of Sherbrooke. The family continues to take great pride in this heritage and Marie-Léonie’s lasting impact on their community.
